‘I'm just trying to cash in’ – Alyssa Healy

With the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 the next big thing on the international cricket calendar, Healy’s form couldn’t have been better timed.

She scored two half-centuries in Australia’s 3-0 sweep against New Zealand in their T20I series in September-October, and struck a 97 in the third one-day international against Pakistan prior to the T20Is.

“No idea,” she joked when asked about her form. “I'm just really enjoying my cricket at the moment, I enjoyed a really good pre-season at home and it felt like I'd matured a little bit.

“Taking over the (New South Wales) Breakers captaincy, I think that's helped me in a few different little areas.”

Being promoted to the top of the batting order has also helped, Healy admitted. “I'm just really enjoying coming out here and opening the batting for Australia. I don't think there's too many better things to do in the world, so I'm just trying to cash in where I can and hopefully put the team in positions to win games.”

Australia have won much more than they haven’t in recent times, and are the top team in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings. It all seems perfect, bar for a bit of a fitness cloud over Meg Lanning, the team captain.

Lanning missed the last T20I against Pakistan because of a lower back niggle, and Rachael Haynes led the team in her absence.

“I've got no doubt Meg will be fine. It was a huge loss for us but we have Rachael Haynes ready to pick up the slack and captain the side and she's done it tremendously well,” said Healy.

“There's enough experience within the squad to maintain what Meg's brought into the group but I have no doubt that come the World Cup, Meg will be fit and firing and ready to go.”

The good news on the injury front, meanwhile, was the return of Jess Jonassen for the final T20I. Jonassen, the left-arm spinner, had been out of action since the end of March and underwent surgery on her left knee before returning the field and returning none for 17 from three overs.

“It's great to see JJ back – she slotted back in really nicely and took her role back at point and carried on with the ball like she's done over the last six or so years for Australia,” said Healy.

“It's great to have her experience on the field as well, and if need be with the bat she's going to do a job for us.”